Climate action NGO (non-governmental organisation), WRAP has published two reports that it says inform its recommendation that the UK government should adopt an EPR scheme for the fashion and textiles industry.
WRAP says the two reports, Textiles Policy Options paper and supporting Cost Benefits Analysis, provide government with the “evidence and insights” necessary to make an informed decision on textiles policy in the UK. The work includes a shortlist of policy options, the outcomes of each and their effectiveness as standalone policies, or in support of other options on the list.
WRAP says the Textiles Policy Options report sets out the policy options that could help the government cut the amount of waste and carbon emissions associated with the UK textiles industry. To achieve the main aim of halving textiles in residual waste over the next 10 years, a significant increase in reuse and recycling is needed it states.
WRAP continues that the report takes steps forward in the process of producing evidence to inform policymakers by setting out potential policy measures and starting conversations with industry about how these measures should be designed.
To achieve the best results the policy (EPR) should be introduced with supporting measures including setting standards for eco-design.
The Cost Benefits Analysis report, builds on the evidence found in the Textiles Policy Options report, WRAP says, looking at the environmental, societal and financial impacts on businesses and consumers.
During a recent evidence session for the Environmental Audit Committee, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Thérèse Coffey was quizzed on the possibility of expanding EPR to include textiles.
The Secretary of State said that she cannot say right now that she’s going to include textiles as part of EPR in the “near future”. Coffey said that the focus must be on ensuring the policy is in place for packaging.
The Committee’s Chair, Conservative MP, Philip Dunne said they were disappointed with Coffey’s response. Dunne said it would be “very disappointing” if Defra did not consult on including textiles in EPR.
WRAP believes that EPR will play a “vital role” in shifting to a circular economy. The NGO describes EPR as a “proven method” to get brands and retailers to take responsibility for the whole value chain of their products, including what happens to them after they get disposed.
WRAP says there is a need for further stakeholder engagement to confirm the arrangements for EPR and agree the structure for fees at the outset of the policy. It goes on to recommend a simple fee modulation from the outset, which could be added to over time if there is a need to include additional measures within the requirements of the EPR.
WRAP recommends that the government introduce an EPR for the UK’s fashion and textiles industry.
WRAP is also recommending, alongside EPR for the UK’s fashion and textiles industry, eco-design criteria and effective product labelling, restrictions on landfill and incineration, grants and loans to develop recycling infrastructure and an increase in separate bring-banks and kerbside collections appropriate to geographical location.
Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP, commented: “As a result of the research we carried out, discussing options with stakeholders in the Textiles Policy Options report and now weighing up the costs and benefits using Cost Benefit Analysis, WRAP recommends that the government introduce an EPR for the UK’s fashion and textiles industry.
“To achieve the best results the policy should be introduced with supporting measures including setting standards for eco-design, which will mean products last longer and are made to be recycled.”
